Spiced chocolate mousse

Luc Clairemont: [at confession] Each time I tell myself it's the last time, but then I get a whiff of her hot chocolate, or...
Madame Audel: ...Seashells. Chocolate seashells, so small, so plain, so *innocent*. I thought, oh, just one little taste, it can't do any harm. But it turned out they were filled with rich, sinful...
Yvette Marceau: And it *melts*, God forgive me, it melts ever so slowly on your tongue, and tortures you with pleasure.

From the film Chocolat (2000)

Chocolat is one of my all time favourite movies. Once a month I used to sit on the couch, hot chocolate in hand, and blissfully watch (more intently on Johnny Depp of course). I must admit it has been a long while since I have done so, too long in fact. As I was reminiscing about my past habits I saw that I have posted very few Chocolate recipes - which was a little shocking to me as I eat chocolate every single day. I cannot remember one day where I have not even eaten one small square of 70% cacao heaven. Chocolate is the one food I would never give up, ever.


As we are having one of Ryan's friends for dinner before we head out to see Watchmen, and as the food shop is tomorrow, I thought a chocolate mousse would be the perfect last minute dessert to whip up - everyone likes chocolate mousse right?

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 15mins to make mousse and praline.
cooking time: 3hours chilling time.
total: 3hours and 15mins.

taste: 4/5. I added a little less chilli powder and upped the cinnamon as I thought they might be too spicy - but they definitely weren't. I would probably keep the spices as they are next time around. The mouse was light with a subtle hint of spice whilst the hazelnut praline added a nice crunch to the smooth texture.

would I make it again: Yes - pretty easy and simple dessert.

recipe: http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/spiced_chocolate_mousse.htm?rcid=1298&mode=rcid